Implementing the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy

Executive Summary

Introduction

The Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy

Proposed Management Measures

Options for Implementing the Strategy

Conclusion: The Investigative Group's Preferred Implementation Option

Summary of Findings and Recommendations

Appendix 1: Terms of Reference for the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy Investigative Group

Appendix 2: Analysis of the Ability of Current Marine Legislation to Implement the Management Measures in the Strategy

Appendix 3: Fisheries Management

Appendix 4: Values of Special Significance

Appendix 5: Risks to the Marine Environment

Appendix 6: Expressing Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship)

Appendix 7: Information and Monitoring

Appendix 8: Implementing the Strategy

Appendix 9: Compliance and Enforcement

Appendix 1: Terms of Reference for the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy Investigative Group

Group Name

Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy Investigative Group

Purpose

The Investigative Group is set up provide options and recommendations on how to implement the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy.

Context

The Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy (the Strategy) reflects concerns about the impacts of human activities on the Fiordland marine environment. It was produced by the Guardians of Fiordland's Fisheries and Marine Environment (the Guardians) to provide an integrated approach to local marine management. The Guardians were formed in 1995 and comprise representatives from organisations in the local community including Ngai Tahu Runanga of Oraka-Aparima, commercial fishers, recreational fishers, charter/tourism operators, and conservation groups.

The Strategy includes proposals for the sustainable management of fisheries and protection of biodiversity in unique and representative habitats. It seeks to address the impacts of pollution, bio-invasion, physical damage, changing hydro-dynamics and increasing visitor numbers as well as a suitable expression of kaitiakitanga.

The Cabinet Policy Committee (POL Min (03) 29/6) agreed to the formation of a wider Investigative group (led by the Ministry for the Environment) and invited the Minister for the Environment to report back to the Cabinet Policy Committee by the end of April 2004 on preferred options for implementing the Strategy.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Investigative Group is to identify, assess and to provide advice on preferred options for implementing the Strategy.

In doing this, the group will:

1. provide for full, open, transparent discussion and exchange of views and foster understanding between government officials and community representatives
2. find workable solutions to implement the 'gifts and gains' that have been negotiated by the Guardians of Fiordland's Fisheries and Marine Environment
3. ensure that issues are resolved in a timely manner
4. identify an appropriate role for group members in the ongoing implementation of the strategy.

The Investigative Group will be supported by a 'Wellington Officials Group', which will have responsibility for reporting the Investigative Group's recommendations to cabinet. This cabinet paper needs to be completed by March 2004 (extended to June 2004).

Membership of the group

The cabinet minute agreed that the group will be led by Ministry for the Environment and that membership will include:

• Department of Conservation
• Ministry of Fisheries
• Maritime Safety Authority
• Environment Southland
• Guardians of Fiordland
• Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

Other agencies and organisations will be invited as necessary to support the work of this group.

Programme, timetable and reporting

1. The Investigative Group will be convened on 1 December 2003 and will begin work immediately. Meetings will be arranged as necessary.
2. The Investigative Group will be established for the period from 1 December 2003 until a decision is made by cabinet on the recommendations made by the Investigative Group.
3. Meeting venues and bookings will be organised by the Ministry for the Environment.
4. Minutes of meetings and actions will be issued by the Ministry for the Environment.